Time for a new blog, chips and components.

It's been a while since I wrote on my blog, but after 1,5 years it's time for an update, and from now on I want to write every week a new one about a subject I like.

To kick off with a very relevant subject, chips, and components. I receive more and more requests to look for components. Based on the experience I gained with making PCBA's, I was able to make a shortlist with trustworthy suppliers. Everyday prices are changing, so if you look for something, you must make the decision almost immediately.

Working in this way feels odd, especially if you are used to buying from companies like www.mouser.com, www.digikey.com, and www.rs-online.com. Unfortunately, there won't be an easy fix to this problem and my advice would be to try to stock critical parts. Yes, there is risk prices go down, but the other risk, not being able to make your products has a lot more impact on your whole company.

For different reasons, I think it will take a longer time before things will be back to normal. See the demand for components as a giant wave, after all the water was gone for a while. COVID started, electronics manufacturers closed factories, cancelled orders and were trying to see what would happen. After some time you could see that demand for electronics went up. This happened for multiple reasons; buying equipment for remote working, a lot of time to shop online, and more cash to spend. This created a wave. At the same time, the car industry saw a kick in growth. More demand for electric cars means more demand for chips! And there we are, a perfect storm! No stock, enormous demand, and a chip industry that needs time to scale.

Experts see improvement in Q1 2022 but based on the things I read I expect it will be getting more normal in Q2 2022.

What can I do for you?

As said before, I know some suppliers with access to stock. Please let me know the following things and I will start looking for you, for free!

Part number:

Quantity:

Target price:

You can send your request to info@fourbrightoceans.com

It's as simple as that! Underneath a picture of NXP LPC1758FBD80.551 I was able to buy. This chip is getting out of stock quickly!